Dispase/triton treated acellular dermal matrix as a dermal substitute in rats

Acellular allogeneic dermal matrix (ADM) was prepared using Dispase and Triton X-100 detergent, and its effectiveness as a dermal substitute is described. Onlay split thickness skin autografts (STSG; 0.015-inch thick) placed onto ADM showed poor survival when the skin was grafted simultaneously with the ADM but good survival when STSG placement was delayed more than 1 week after ADM implantation. For one-step grafting, thinner ADMs and STSGs were required to obtain good graft survival. The use of 0.012- or 0.015-inch thick ADM in conjunction with simultaneously applied, ultra-thin (0.005-inch thick) STSG resulted in good graft survival (89-5% of graft area) and reduced wound contracture. Dispase/Triton treated ADM derived from animal or human skin may be useful clinically in full-thickness skin defects, providing a pliant yet lasting dermal bed for subsequent or immediate skin grafting.